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As per the decision of the Standing Finance Committee held on 16th January. 1999 under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, it has been decided to establish a National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW) in Ballabhgarh (Haryana). The decision to establish the Institute was based on a recognition of the need to promote awareness and disseminate information about animal welfare amongst the public and to impart education in this discipline in a professional manner with a structured framework in view of the intrinsic value of animals and their contribution not only to the country's economy but also in terms of social and environmental issues.

The necessity for establishing a NIAW has to be viewed in the background of the requirements of the new century where new specializations and specialties, based primarily on futuristic technologies, will form the primary core required for development in the general area of poverty alleviation. These will focus on the use of animals to provide employment opportunities and generation of wealth with a humane face for those who are below the poverty line in this country.

This change in educational pattern will have to be tempered with a totally new concept of perceptions in the new era of education. There is a need for niche education for specific job requirements in the animal welfare sector. There is a felt need for trained personnel who are currently not available to work in the animal welfare sector where over 70% of all agricultural households are involved with animals as a livelihood option.

The Institute will be able to provide consultancy on a wide range of issues and also attract foreign students. It will be the first institution of its kind in the region and will develop into a model and center of excellence for the entire south Asian region.

The Animal Welfare Board of India has over 2500 organizations registered with it which are involved in the field of animal welfare. The Government has allocated funds for the upkeep of shelters and rescue work. Though the intentions of the organizations are commendable, these are usually not managed in a professional manner as there is no scope for proper education in the field. The NIAW will be in a position to fill this vacuum.

It is envisaged that the Institute would provide the learning and training ground for a wide range of services to improve the quality of services for the care and protection of animals.

Background

The proposal to set up a National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW) in Ballabhgarh, Haryana was approved by the Standing Finance Committee in its meeting of 16.3.1999. Land measuring around 8.3 acres was procured in Village Sikri, District Faridabad, Haryana. The foundation stone of the Institute was laid on 15th April, 1999.

The original cost of the project was Rs.7.55 Cr, which was revised, with SFC approval to Rs. 11.39 cr in 2003.

Presently, NIAW is working as a Subordinate office under the administrative control of Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Mandate & Objectives

NIAW has been conceptualized as an apex body in the field of animal welfare and its broad mandate covers the need to improve animal welfare through research, education and public outreach.

Its objective is to create enabling environment for fulfillment of the statutory requirements as laid down in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

It is imparting training and education on diversified subjects in Animal Welfare including animal management, behavior and ethics.